Dear Incoming freshmen,

Stop worrying about what everyone else wants you to be and wants you to do. Start becoming someone you're fearless five year old self would be proud of. Stop looking in the mirror and replacing every ounce of positivity with negativity. That mirror can only reflect what you wish to see out of it. To often the value of our heart is brushed under the rug by our own self. You are fighting a losing battle if you begin to put the importance of your appearance above the value of your own heart, No matter what the world will tell you, no matter how this world will make you feel, your appearance means nothing. How other people see you never has to affect the way you see yourself. And I want you to know that it is okay that other people don’t like you. I want you to know that it will be okay that other people talk behind your back. You can’t let your happiness depend upon the acceptance of your peers, or anyone else for that matter. Don’t be afraid of upperclassmen and what they have to say because everyone one of them have been a freshman also. If they have the nerve to say anything about your adolescence then they have made hypocrisy of a younger version of themselves.

Stop fighting for popularity, and stop giving a care about what other people have to say about you. If they didn't care enough to think of you when they were bad mouthing then you shouldn't care enough to give them the time of day. People who betray you and make you feel like nothing should not have any effect on you become they will play the same devilish trick on everyone that they come by in order to mask their own insecurities. Play sports, do band, join clubs, read books, go to the movies; basically just do whatever makes your little soul content and do it to the best of your ability. I’m not going to advise you to make friends because they will mostly stab you in the back, not because they are bad people but because their need of acceptance will lead to any confirmation necessary. You're damned if you do and you are damned if you don’t. EVeryone is always going to have something to say, just make sure that you don’t get sucked into the childish games.

Most of all just have fun, Do what makes you content as long as it is safe. This is a time for you to find out who you are and who you want to be. Be content in the moment instead of focusing on the unknown of the future. Keep your head high and use prayer as a back rest. I had many run ins with bullies, peer pressure, and anxiety throughout highschool and would never wish it on anyone. The easiest way to conquer high school is to focus on your grades and your own sanity. If you can find time to help others along the way then good for you! I pray that you have courage and guidance to become the person you were destined to be. God Bless.

Sincerely,